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Football

Colts line sparks its offence

Despite the fact they often toil in relative anonymity, offensive linemen are critical to a strong running game.

Just ask the Korah Colts.

The combination of talented runners, and a strong, nimble offensive line has the Colts off to a 3-0 start in the High School Senior Football League.

“We’re definitely a run-dominant team and they’ve proven they can get the job done,” Colts head coach Tom Annett said of his five offensive linemen and the two ends who head up the team’s run-blocking brigade. “They’re a very-talented group. They’re experienced. They’re not huge, but their greatest asset is their speed off the ball.”

The group includes left end Jordin Grondin, left tackle Thomas Thibault, left guard Darian Belkosky, centre Cameron Andreychuk, right guard Devin Segin, right tackle Graham Slater and right end Alex Segin. Jordan Policicchio and Jacob Jurich are able to spell both Belkosky and Devin Segin at the guard spots.

All four – Policicchio, Jurich, Belkosky and Devin Segin – are also standouts on the team’s defensive unit.

The group of seven players along the offensive front have opened the holes and gotten to the second level to help spring running backs Caleb Patteri, Nik Gervasi and Belkosky, who also plays in the offensive backfield, for big gains.

Running behind the line, Patteri has gained 421 yards on 54 carries, an average of 7.8 yards-per-attempt.

Gervasi is averaging 10.3 yards, gaining 330 yards on 32 carries, and Belkosky has 14 carries for 107 yards, an average of 7.6 per attempt.

That outstanding running game is certainly one of the main reasons why the Colts take their undefeated record into Friday’s clash with the White Pines Wolverines (0-3). Start time at Superior Heights is 7:30 p.m.

“It’s become a rallying point for our guys,” Annett said, as he looked ahead to Friday’s clash with the Wolverines. “Offensive linemen are forgotten at times, like a rusty chain. But chains are strong, tough and when you need them, they get the job done. Our guys are excited to play on the offensive line. They take a lot of pride in moving the chains and in the job they do.”